CLEVELY SAHIB The gate clanged ominously behind us (p. 58) CLEVELY SAHIB A TALE OF THE KHYBER PASS BY HERBERT HAYENS author of "under the lone star," etc. THOMAS NELSON AND SONS, Ltd. LONDON, EDINBURGH, AND NEW YORK PRINTED IN GREAT BRITAIN AT THE PRESS OF THE PUBLISHERS (,015^ LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. The gate clanged ominously behind us, .... Frontispiece I became aware of a tall Afghan standing over me with uplifted rifle, .... .... .... 80 To Dost Mohammed, and to him alone, will I speak the words, .... .... .... .... 96 Irritated by the sound, the nearest cobra lifted its head, .... .... .... .... .... 144 Presently came the sound of a mighty explosion, 192 The exodus commenced, .... .... .... 272 Flinging himself on the ground, he drank long and steadily, .... .... .... .... 336 I helped Sara out, and placed her in her father's arms, .... .... .... .... .... 400 CONTENTS. I. STRANGERS AND EXILES, 11. A TOUGH FIGHT, III. INTO THE KHYBER's MOUTH, IV. GUESTS OR PRISONERS ? V. THE BITTERNESS OP DEATH, VI. I RENDER THE BRITISH GOOD SERVICE, VII. THE FIGHT AND AFTER, VIII. A SNAKE ADVENTURE, ... IX. A PERIOD OF PEACE, .... X. THE REVOLT IN CABUL, XI. GALLANT MACKENZIE, .... XIL THE RIKABASUEE FORT, XIIL A NIGHT ADVENTURE, .... XIV. A DESPERATE FIGHT, .... XV. THE DEATH OF SIR WILLIAM, XVI. THE EXODUS, XVII. A PROPHECY FULFILLED, XVIII. THROUGH THE KHOORD CABUL PASS, 9 25 43 G4 81 98 117 134 152 1C9 185 202 218 235 251 2GG 281 29G VIU CONTENTS. XIX. "tell them I DID MY DUTY," XX. THE LAST STAND, XXI. THE ADVENTURE IN THE CAVE, XXII. IN JELALABAD, XXIIL GLAD TIDINGS, XXIV. REUNION, XXV. CONCLUSION, .... 312 328 342 356 .... 371 386 402 CLEVELY SAHIB. CHAPTER I. STRANGERS AND EXILES. " T)AUL!" XT I moved uneasily on the soft mattress, and at a repetition of the sound half opened my eyes. The mellow light from the shaded lamp fell across my father's features, and I rose instantly, for he appeared grave and troubled. " Rouse yourself, boy," he said kindly; " I have strange news for you." The day had been a harassing one, but at these words all thoughts of fatigue vanished. We were living in stirring times, when a man had need not only of a strong arm but a clear brain, if he wished to preserve his head safely upon his shoulders. I never knew the precise reasons which had induced my father as a young man to enter the service of Runjit Singh, but my earhest recollections carry me back to Lahore, the princely city of the Punjab, where that powerful potentate held his state. lo STRANGERS AND EXILES. I have a faint recollection of a tall, fair woman, with soft brown eyes and luxuriant chestnut hair, who carried me in her arms and covered my face with burning kisses. Sometimes in these later days my heart leaps at the sound of simple tunes familiar in the nursery — tunes which hushed me to sleep in that far-off land of strange people and barbaric splendour. I remember vividly when my mother died, though I must have been very young. I can picture the chamber of death now, with its odd mixture of Oriental magnifi- cence and English comfort and simplicity. My father placed me in her arms, and she hugged me closely, kissing me and calling me her " little darling," her " baby Paul." As yet I had no knowledge of death, but I felt a vp.gue consciousness that my mother was in trouble, and in my childish way tried to comfort her. I played with the long hair lying loosely on the pillow, and pressing my cheek to hers, begged her to get up and come with me into the city. At this a fresh source of wonder opened out : my father bowed his head and wept. Presently he stooped down and put his lips to my mother's, it seemed for a long, long time as if he could not draw them away, and then I heard her whisper — only I could not recognize the voice, it seemed to come from a long distance off — " Good-bye, dear husband ; good-bye, my bonnie wee bairn." STRANGERS AND EXILES, ii I cried a little when my father, taking me from her arms, carried me up and down the spacious room ; and for many- days afterwards I wandered disconsolately to and fro, searching for my lost mother, calling her name aloud, and totally unappeased by the information that she had de- parted on a far journey. But my grief was that of a child, and soon subsided. It is from this time I date the beginning of my deep affection for my father. Oftentimes his duties compelled him to be absent, occasionally for days together, but every moment that could be snatched from the rajah's service was devoted to me. By his enemies he has been described, I am aware, as a man of a haughty and imperious nature, with bound- less ambition, yet rigid and unbending as fate. I am little concerned, however, to defend his public character, since even his most bitter opponent did not dare to whisper a syllable against his probity and love of truth. In my memory he will always dwell as the best father boy ever had. Let me endeavour to draw a simple picture of him as he appeared then. In figure he was tall and of a noble presence. His short, crisp black hair was interspersed with threads of grey, and brushed well back from a broad forehead. The upper lip was hidden by a heavy brown moustache, and he wore a beard closely cut. His eyes, which were shaded by long silky lashes, were of a deep blue, swiftly 12 STRANGERS AND EXILES. changing in expression, now soft and of a womanish ten- derness, now bright and piercing as the eagle's. But I love best to linger over the memory of his ear- nest yet kindly smile. I could not understand its deep pathos then, but since that time I have gained experience, and know now that it was associated with my mother's death. He never mentioned her name — his grief was too sacred a thing to be displayed even before me — but I am persuaded that she was never absent from his thoughts. Whether the fact was owing to some fixed principle or to his great love for me I cannot determine, but he was my sole teacher, though in the modern sense I never re- ceived lessons. His great talent, I imagine, must have lain in languages, as he was an excellent and accomplished linguist. He spoke Persian with remarkable fluency, using it habitually as his common mode of expression, though his position at Runjit Singh's court made it necessary that he should be conversant with numerous and widely-different tongues. Thus it came about that as a child I was an uncon- scious student of the soft, smoothly-flowing Oriental speech, and without trouble or drudgery grew to be proficient in many languages. But my father was far too wise to cultivate the mind at the expense of the body. He taught me to run and leap, to ride fearlessly yet with a certain prudence withal, to shoot, fence, swim, and, above all, to endure pain without murmuring. Neither was my moral education neglected. From him STRANGERS AND EXILES. 13 I learned the beauty of truth and kindness, the value of obedience, the distinction between real courage and reck- lessness, and the worth of simple, manly dignity. As I write, one incident stands out clearly across the years, and will serve to illustrate forcibly the gentleness of his nature. The city was in gala dress for some public rejoicing. For two or three days the people had abandoned themselves to merry-making and enjoyment, and it had been arranged to hold, on the last day of the feast, a grand pony race in the presence of the rajah and his courtiers. To this I looked forward with intense delight, as my father agreed that I should ride my pony, and I wished ardently to show that his riding-lessons had not been given in vain. The spectacle was a magnificent one. Seated on a superb throne was the maharajah, his gorgeous tunic heavy with gold and studded with precious stones. His crown was covered with glittering diamonds, amidst which shone conspicuously the matchless Koh-i-noor, like a sun in the centre of its satellites. Around him, on rich carpets edged with mats of gold, were grouped his high officers, dressed in apparel scarcely less splendid than his own. At various parts of the course were stationed his horse- soldiers in picturesque attire, each in a brilliantly-shining shirt of mail, and with a helmet inlaid with gold, from which fluttered a heron's plume. But in all that glittering pageant I saw clearly only 14 STRANGERS AND EXILES. one loved face, and the soft blue eyes tenderly smiling towards me. In a short time even my father's features grew blurred and indistinct. During the next few minutes I was ani- mated by but one desire — to get home first and show these swarthy Asiatics that the Englishman's son was worthy of his sire. Into that brief space I crowded more real excitement than I have ever experienced since. I felt as if my father's honour depended upon the issue of the race, and I made a firm resolve to win it. Before long the struggle resolved itself into a contest between a Mohammedan youth, the son of Mahmoud Khan, and myself. Neck by neck we raced, and I could see my dusky rival's black eyes flash with rage as he vainly urged his steed to a speedier pace. At length the time came for the last supreme eflfort. Dropping the reins loosely on the pony's back, I called him by name, and like an arrow from a bow we darted ahead. Until now there had reigned an almost universal silence, but as my pony shot to the front there rose a mighty acclamation on the air. My cheeks flushed with pride at the thought of the victory within my grasp, and I was already enjoying in anticipation my father's words of praise, when a second and louder roar burst from the vast concourse. I half turned my head and grew sick with apprehension, Mahmoud's son, riding in splendid style, was not a foot STRANGERS AND EXILES. 15 behind ; in another second he would forge ahead, and I should be beaten. The blood surged hotly through my veins, and I was seized with a fierce, overmastering ambition to shake my rival off. I called on my gallant little animal for one more effort ; but his powers were failing, and young Mahmoud's black was already showing his nose an inch in front. The sight was maddening, and I lashed my faithful pony with cruel blows, until, smarting with pain, he once more darted ahead and landed me in triumph at the win- ning-post. At that moment I would not have changed places with the old Lion of the Punjab himself, who, amidst the plaudits of the crowd, presented me with the prize — a golden arrow, tipped with a gleaming diamond. Every one except my father praised me; but he remained silent, and I longed for the festivities to be at an end, so that we two might be alone. At last the maharajah gave the welcome signal : slowly the vast assembly dispersed, and slipping my hand in my father's, I turned in the direction of the city. I waited some minutes for him to speak, and then with trembling eagerness held the golden arrow before him. " Look, father," I cried, " is it not pretty ? " He answered my question by another. " Where is your pony ? " he asked. " Ahmed has taken him home," I rej)lied, and I knew that my cheeks were crimson. i6 STRANGERS AND EXILES No other words passed between us until the house was reached, and then he led me to the stables, where the gallant little animal stood trembling and exhausted. My father turned toward me, and there was no kindly smile on his grave face. " Hold up your arrow, Paul," he said. " Was it worth that — and that ? " pointing to the marks of the cruel cuts on the pony's flanks. I drew back abashed and lowered my head ; I was ashamed to look into his eyes. " Do you understand now why I forbore to praise you?" he asked. " Could I rejoice at the sight of my son's cruelty ? Paul, I am grievously disappointed." That, I think, was the sternest rebuke he ever gave me, and it produced such an impression on my mind that even time has been unable to efface it. My father was not the only European holding high office at the maharajah's court. There were, more especi- ally, several French soldiers of distinction whose children were about my own age, and these constituted my chief playmates. But as I grew older the bond between my father and myself became more and more closely knit, and I wished for no society but his. With him I loved to wander out in the cool of the evening into the crowded city, and never tired of hearing him repeat the histories of the wonderful mosques, with their lofty minarets rising skyAvard, and their gilded cupolas and domes. (679) STRANGERS AND EXILES. 17 Sometimes during his absence I sauntered forth alone, spending many happy hours in the picturesque bazaars filled with their costly wares of lacquer and silk, resplen- dent with glittering mirrors and gorgeous shawls and rich carpets of Persian manufacture. It was a strange life perhaps for an English lad, passing his days in that old-world town, surrounded by people alien in faith and race, but to me there seemed nothing incongruous in the situation. The natives for the most part treated me with civility and respect, but occasionally I caught a glimpse of scowling faces and heard a muttered curse. Such an event, however, was of very unusual occurrence, and as I knew little of what transpired at the maharajah's court, it gave me little anxiety. By degrees, however, the knowledge dawned upon me that my father had many enemies who would willingly work him harm should opportunity arise. It was about the time when my brain first began to harbour this idea that I overheard a curious remark which aflbrded me considerable food for reflection. I was hastening home one evening through the crowded portion of the city, intent upon reaching the house in time to welcome my father. Half-way down one of the nar- row, unpaved streets two Hindu priests stood engaged in animated conversation beneath the shadow of an over- hanging veranda. They did not notice me, and as I approached, one of them, stepping out suddenly, came into violent contact {5?9) 2 i8 STRANGERS AND EXILES. with my shoulder, and was nearly precipitated to the earth. Recovering himself with an effort, he fired off a volley of oaths and spat viciously upon the ground. " Peace ! " said his companion. " The hour of the cursed Feringhee is not yet come. When the lion is dead the jackal will find it hard to hunt alone." The incident in itself was trivial enough, but my father, to whom I related it, apparently attached to it a certain significance. " You are too young fully to understand," he said, " and yet it is right that you should know somewhat of our position here. Some day I will tell you how it happened that I threw in my lot with Runjit Singh, but not now. Many years ago, however, I rendered him an important ser- vice, and since that time I have been one of his most trusted counsellors. Such a post, you may be sure, is compassed about with many dangers, and though as yet I have held my own, fortune cannot always smile upon me." Being young, and not then knowing how much pain may unwittingly be inflicted by a simple question, I natu- rally inquired why he chose to remain in the midst of such perils. " Could we not go down to Calcutta and join our own countrymen ? " I asked. As I have written, my father's secret died with him, though from knowledge subsequently acquired I have reason to believe he had been sacrificed by his country for some high political purpose. STRANGERS AND EXILES. 19 However that may be — and it would be idle now to make inquiry — I had never beheld him so strangely and thoroughly moved as he was by my innocent remark. For a moment I failed to recognize my father in the hard, stern - visaged man who stood before me. But he possessed great powers of self-control, and in a brief space he regained his habitual air of calm. Only the trembling of his voice could not be entirely subdued as he said hurriedly, — " No, my boy, I shall never return. With you matters are different, and a time, I trust, may arrive when you will be able to settle down amongst those of your own race. But for me the die has long been cast. I shall end my days in the service of my adopted country." Then he resumed more cheerfully, — " The Hindu's uncomplimentary epithet was no doubt intended to apply to me. Runjit Singh is the lion ; I am the jackal. While the lion lives I am safe ; at his death they will endeavour to surround me in the toils, and the maharaj all's courtiers are not famed for their merciful dis- positions." " But why should the Sikhs hate you ? " I ventured. " In what have you offended ? " " They have many reasons," he answered, " each more than sufficient. In the first place, my religion makes me obnoxious equally to Hindu and Mohammedan. Then I am an Englishman, and they look upon the English as the one bar to their conquest of India. Like our own country- men, the Sikhs are a conquering people ; they have gained 20 STRANGERS AND EXILES. their inheritance by the sword, and they are ever thirsting for fresh conquests. The spread of the British power fills them with unfeigned dismay, and it is only their chief's stern rule which prevents them from pitting their strength against that of their hated adversaries. It is the secret ambition of the Sikh chieftains to drive the English out of the country and make themselves masters of the peninsula. To me they ascribe the principal share in dissuading the maharajah from embarking in such a hopele&s enterprise, which could have but one result — the destruction of his kingdom. For this cause alone I am covered with odium ; they cannot or will not see that a rupture with the British nation will cost them their independence." After this conversation my father took me more into his confidence, and I began to perceive with greater clearness how it might be said that he carried his life in his hand. Yet, judging from his resolute and unconcerned bearing, none would have suspected him to be menaced by danger ; indeed he always maintained that no harm would happen while the maharajah lived. The real crisis would come at that potentate's death. Until then, he averred, we had nothing to fear, and for what might occur afterwards he was prepared. Meanwhile the days passed uneventfully, and I was be- ginning to forget my apprehensions, when one evening my father announced that he was going on a journey which would entail his absence for nearly a week. He laughed at my gesture of dismay, and bade me keep a stout heart. STRANGERS AND EXILES. 21 I begged that he would take me with him, but the nature of his errand rendered this impossible. The ensuing days were intolerably dull and weary. My spirits were strangely depressed, and I was full of gloomy forebodings, which were not diminished by the air of suppressed excitement pervading the city. At the end of the week, however, my father returned in safety, and then I learned the meaning of the unusual commotion. Thirty years previously, Shah Soojah, the ruler of Afghanistan, having been deposed from his throne, had sought refuge with the Lion of the Punjab, who first stripped him of his most valuable possessions, including the world-famed Koh-i-noor, and then graciously accorded him permission to take up his residence at Loodiana in a kind of honourable captivity. Here, as the years rolled away, the royal exile passed his existence. But even in the depth of despair the fallen monarch clung to the one cherished dream of his life — the restoration to his throne. To this end, in spite of all re- buffs, he schemed and plotted and intrigued, until at length it appeared as if his passionate hope was to be rerlized. A quarrel had broken out between Dost Mohammed (the Afghan Ameer) and the British, and the latter resolved to restore Shah Soojah by force of arms to his throne. All this my father told me, and, moreover, that an agree- ment had been come to by virtue of which the Shah's son was to pass through the Punjab on his way to Cabul. This was exciting news, and a fev*?" days later my heart 2 2 STRANGERS AND EXILES. thrilled with delight at learning that the maharajah, with his principal officers, was about to visit Ferozepore, in order to meet the British army. I had long been accustomed to the barbaric splendour and Oriental magnificence of the Sikh warriors, but now I was actually to gaze upon those wondrous soldiers who had carried the British flag to victory in every portion of the globe. The thought made my eyes sparkle, and brought a burning glow to my cheeks. " Ah, Paul ! " exclaimed my father, laying a hand on my shoulder, " it is easy to see that your heart is English." I raised my head, and answered with a proud smile, — " Yes : it is a glorious birthright that none can take from me." " You are right, boy," he said warmly, and yet with an air of melancholy ; " it is a glorious privilege. See to it that you never sully your country's fame." In my boyish thoughtlessness I hardly noticed how on our arrival at Ferozepore my father became suddenly cold and reserved, concealing his natural gentleness under a proud and haughty demeanour. Often since then the recollection has been borne in upon me, and I have wondered what painful emotions, what aching memories the sight of that gallant array caused him. Did I, by my unfeigned delight, occasion that noble heart one additional pang of suffering ? I trust not. It would be nearly impossible for my readers to enter STRANGERS AND EXILES. 23 into the feelings of enthusiasm with wliicli the sight of those few thousand men inspired me. I regarded them with a kind of reverential awe. They were my countrymen, and yet strangers. As I looked upon them my thoughts flew to that dear land which I had never seen, and my heart swelled with pride at the knowledge that I possessed the right to call it " home." Of the pageants and festivities I retain no distinct im- pression ; and when at length we turned our faces toward Runjit Singh's capital, my sole regret lay in bidding adieu to the stalwart English soldiers. For a considerable period after our return to Lahore I was thrown very much on my own resources, my father being constantly occupied in the maharaj all's service. I fancy that at this particular time he must have had some unusual difficulty with which to contend. Frequently he appeared harassed and perplexed, though in my presence he endeavoured to assume a cheerful manner, and often assured me that all was well. On the evening when my slumbers were so unceremoni- ously disturbed, he had been hurriedly sent for by Runjit Singh ; and as he had been away several hours, I was naturally curious to learn what had taken place. " Paul," he said, after making; the door safe, and assuring himself that none of the servants were within hearing, " I have serious tidings. It is necessary that I should instantly depart on a secret mission to Cabnl." I could only stare at him helplessly and echo, " To Cabul ! " 24 STRANGERS AND EXILES. " Yes," he answered ; " and as the period of my absence will be indefinite, we must make some arrangements for your welfare." I interrupted him eagerly. " Why should I not accompany you ? " " We have a choice of two evils, and it is hard to say which is the greater," he replied. " The journey is full of risk and danger, and yet perhaps it is more perilous still to leave you behind." " Let me go with you," I pleaded earnestly ; and finally he gave a reluctant assent to my request. CHAPTER II. A TOUGH FIGHT. MY father was a man of prompt action, and as soon as it was definitely settled that I should accom- pany him, he began to make the necessary preparations for our departui'e. He possessed the utmost confidence in the honesty and trustworthiness of the majority of his servants, who were endeared to him by many ties ; and yet, in view of the long period which must elapse before our return, it seemed rather undesirable to leave everything entirely in their charge. In this dilemma the maharajah came to our aid, and solved the difficulty by quartering one of the French ofll- cers in the house, and making him responsible for the safety of our property. The main obstacle thus being overcome, my father pro- ceeded to hold his last interview with the maharajah ; and in the cool of the next afternoon we bade farewell to our wondering domestics, and turned our backs — for ever — on the home of my childhood. Under other circumstances I sliould doubtless have 26 A TOUGH FIGHT. experienced a feeling of regret, but the anticipations of pleasure and novelty swallowed up all else. Fortunately it was the cold season, and therefore the most comfortable for travelling, though indeed from long use I was enabled to bear the fierce heat of the Indian sun almost as well as a genuine Hindu, I need not linger long over the details of our journey to Peshawur ; they were, with one exception, commonplace and uninteresting. A messenger had been dispatched in advance by the maharajah along the route which we were to pursue, with orders to the different governors to render every assistance within their power to my father, and to treat him with due respect as the representative of their master. In consequence of this command we met with no difficulty. At each halting-place we were received with demonstrations of good-will, and escorted in honour to the chief's residence, where a sumptuous repast awaited us. For the most part we travelled on horseback, my father's orders being imperative to push on at all speed, and this the absence of baggage, with the exception of a change or two of clothing, enabled him to do. From Lahore to the river Jhelum our course lay through a fertile and smiling land, covered with rich, well-cultivated fields, and showing every sign of wealth and prosperity. After crossing this river, however, the character of the country wholly changed. The fertile meadows and the thriving corn-lands disappeared, giving place to range after range of rocky, unclothed hills, pierced by numerous moun- A TOUGH FIGHT. 27 tain-streams, the beds of which oftentimes formed the sole passage, and rendered our progress both toilsome and dangerous. The people, too, differed altogether from their more peaceful brethren of the plains. Like most hill-men they were strong and hardy, while many were of gigantic stature. Luckily for our safety the maharajah's authority was deeply rooted ; and if the resources of these mountaineers were scanty, they entertained us to the best of their ability. " Sighing for the flesh-pots of Egypt, Paul ? " said my father one evening, as I made an involuntary grimace over our meagre fare. " Never mind ; to-morrow we shall reach the Indus, where our Sikh friends have a strong fort. But are you sure," he added earnestly, " that the strain is not becoming too great for you ? I fear lest you may overtax your strength." " No ! " I answered decisively ; " I am strong and well." " Because," he continued, " I can leave you at Peshawur. General Avitabili, who is in command, will take good care of you." " Do not let us talk of separation, dear father," I an- swered appealingly ; " I should not have a moment's peace while you were absent." He placed his hand with a caressing movement on my head. " You have been a great blessing to me, my son," he said, with a deep sigh. " Perhaps the feeling arises from selfishness, but I do not like to think of our being parted. 28 A TOUGH FIGHT. It shall be as you wish. We will keep together, but I must not disguise from you that many dangers lie in our path." " As long as we are not separated I am content," was my answer. " Dangers cannot terrify while you are at my side." He pressed my hand. " God's will be done," he said, reverently. " And now we must sleep : we must reach the fort in the morning, before the sun becomes too hot." Soon after daybreak, having broken our fast, we pro- ceeded on our journey, accompanied by our host of the preceding night, who, gratified by my father's lavish present, proffered his services as a guide. This was a great boon, inasmuch as, owing to his inti- mate knowledge of the country, we were enabled to avoid a wide detour, and were thus saved a wearisome march of several miles. That the fact of having secured this man's friendship would ere long make all the difference between life and death, we of course could not foresee. And yet it so fell out. We had barely quitted the collection of squalid hovels which constituted the village, when a native came gliding stealthily towards us, and entered into a hurried but sub- dued conversation with our guide. Presently the latter turned to my father, and making a low salaam said, — '•' Sahib, a great man high in the counsels of his prince A TOUGH FIGHT. 29 makes manj enemies, whose hearts would rejoice at his downfall, and who would lift up their voices in thanks- giving at his death. Is it not so ? " " Your lips are a vehicle for words of wisdom," responded my father ; " speak on." The man hesitated. " Does the sahib think that the prince would seek the lives of his trusty counsellors ? " he asked. My father must have possessed some inkling of the man's ideas, for he replied promptly, — " Listen, friend, and let my words sink deep into your heart. There are those who would gladly slay the lion, but fear his fangs ; therefore they satisfy their appetite with the blood of an animal less dangerous. The car- rion crow battens not on the strong, but on the defence- less." The man hesitated no longer. " Sahib," he said, " you have partaken of my salt ; the hearts of my people have been made glad by your bounty; and now has it been ordained by Allah that we should make a return for the kindness shown to us." Speaking a few rapid words in an undertone to his companion, who immediately darted off' in the direction of the village, he proceeded to explain the aiuso of his un- easiness. At the first streak of dawn, about a dozen horsemen, apparently Sikh irregular cavalry, had passed the village, following the main road to the Indus. Encountering a watchman belonging to the tribe, the leader had drawn 30 A TOUGH FIGHT. rein and closely questioned him concerning ourselves, with the view of ascertaining if we had gone that way. The statement that we were still in the village appeared to cause him great satisfaction, and cautioning the hill-man to preserve silence, he rode on. Happily for us the man had reported the circumstance to his chief, who had promptly taken steps to meet the threatened danger. " We will travel slowly, in order that my men may come up," the headman concluded ; " though it is possible that by taking an unfrequented pass across the hills we may avoid the irregulars altogether." At the entrance to the defile the guide paused, scanning the rocky heights with an anxious gaze. Presently there appeared a flash of red, and his face brightened. It was the flag of his people, and told of help at hand. " A pretty place for an ambush," quoth my father, when we had traversed about half the distance ; " but probably our enemies, if indeed they should prove enemies, are un- acquainted with it." Just at that spot the path took a sudden bend to the left, and ere I could make reply there came a startling cry of " Kill, kill ! " and the sound of shots. My horse, pierced in the neck by a bullet, went down under me ; and while disengaging myself from the maddened animal, I caught the glitter of steel above my head. Had the man struck instantly my fate must have been sealed, since the onslaught had been so abrupt that I was practically defenceless. But even as he held the knife A TOUGH FIGHT. 31 suspended, my horse, plunging at random, kicked him violently on the leg, and with a cry of pain he lowered his arm. That moment saved my life. Quick as lightning I drew my sword, and ere he had time to recover himself, struck the weapon from his hand. At the same instant the cry of " Kill, kill ! " was echoed in our rear, and though I dared not turn my head, I knew that we were trapped. " To the I'ocks, Paul ! " my father shouted ; " put your back against the wall." And swinging sharply round, we stood with our backs against the face of the cliff. The situation was a desperate one, and unless the hill- men came speedily to the rescue we were doomed. The swords of half a dozen Sikh warriors, headed by Mahmoud Khan, were already at our throats, and a fresh contingent was hurrying up. Mahmoud was a practised swordsman, more skilful even than my father, upon whom he threw himself with savage ferocity. " Slay the cursed Feringhees," he screamed ; " slay, and fear not ! " The gleam of the circling blades was almost incessant. On my left the gigantic native, half naked, and with a stream of blood trickling down his face, wielded his long sword vigorously, while ever and anon he raised his voice in a hoarse shout of " Allah-il- Allah ! " Thanks to my early training, I more than held my own in the fierce melee, and already my sword was red with the 32 A TOUGH FIGHT. blood of one foe, when a savage cry of joy proclaimed the fact that my father was down. A loose stone giving way had caused him to stumble, and a quick glance showed me Mahmoud's tall form tower- ing above him. With a cry of dismay I dashed my antagonist to the ground, and heedless of danger, sprang like a wild cat at the Sikh chieftain. Swiftly he turned, putting himself on guard ; but the effort came too late. In that moment I was endowed with a strength more than human, and with one blow I cleft him from head to chin. So sudden was the fell stroke that he sank without a groan, and his affrighted followers shrank back. But their terror was only momentary. With yells of rage they turned to renew the struggle, and at the same instant the second half of Mahmoud's force reached the spot. Shoulder to shoulder we stood, waiting for the last rush, dizzy, exhausted, with death staring us in the face, but even now with undaunted spirits. A brief pause ensued, as if our enemies were gathering strength for the spring ; and I can see yet the proud but fond smile on my father's face, as he turned toward me with a motion of farewell. But our time had not come. Like music to our ears there rose a chant of " Allah-il-Allah ! " and down the rocks, leaping from boulder to boulder like sure-footed goats, burst a crowd of stalwart villagers on the astonished Sikhs. They turned to fly ; but flight was impossible. There was no outlet from that rocky gorge. A TOUGH FIGHT. 33 In vain my father attempted to stop the carnage which followed ; the hill-men were like wild beasts that had tasted human blood, and not until every Sikh lay dead on the ground did they stay their hands. At the end of the pass we found the riderless horses securely tethered, and took the liberty of appropriating two, to compensate us for those that had been killed. The remainder we handed over to the headman, who imme- diately directed that they should be led to the village. Of the wound in his head he took no notice, but strode along as if nothing had happened, the only remark he ut- tered being : " Allah is merciful ; my people have gained much booty in a just cause" — which I suspect was not often the case. " Paul ! " said my father presently, " it will be well that you should keep silence concerning the treachery of Mah- moud Khan. I will make a report to the commandant of the fort, so that our friend shall not come to harm ; for the rest there is safety in a still tongue." Then leaning toward me he added with pathetic tenderness, " But there is one thing, my boy, which neither of us must ever for- get — that you have saved my life ; " and my cheeks flushed at his speech. After that we journeyed on with few further words, for in spite of our victory, my heart was sad at the thought of the poor fellows whose bodies, stripped ere now, would be left to provide food for the loathsome vulture. At the fort we were welcomed with great warmth ; and the commandant, Budokar Khan, one of the maharajuh'a (67») 3 34 A TOUGH FIGHT. best artillery officers, did everything in his power to make us comfortable, entreating that we would stay and rest for a day or two. This invitation my father was reluctantly compelled to decline, owing to the peremptory nature of his instructions ; but we made a halt of several hours — a respite which proved eminently acceptable. Budokar Khan came of Afghan stock, and from his conversation I gathered that the maharajah's present con- duct afforded him little satisfaction. For Shah Soojah he expressed the utmost contempt, and openly stated his belief that his former subjects would never submit to a reimj)osition of his rule. " The Feringhees may place him on the throne," he said ; " but when they withdraw from the country, his life will not be worth an hour's purchase." To this statement my father made no reply, being mani- festly anxious not to be drawn into an argument, but that same evening he confided to me that the khan had precisely voiced his own sentiments. " It is a big blunder," he said, " and one which I greatly fear will produce much evil. These Afghans have many bad qualities — they are treacherous, savage, revengeful, and bloodthirsty. But one virtue they possess in a marked degree — a fierce love of independence. You may deprive the Afghan of everything except liberty, but to the loss of that he will not submit." " Then what do you think will happen ? " I asked, with interest. A TOUGH FIGHT. 35 " Exactly that which Budokar prophesied. British bayonets will place Shah Soojah on the throne ; the Af- ghans will sullenly acquiesce, but the instant the troops are withdrawn they will rise and tear him in pieces." " How is it that Shah Soojah does not perceive his danger ? " I inquired curiously, and the reply somewhat startled me. " He is not blind to the peril, my boy, but like all of his creed he is a fatalist. Allah is great. What God wills, that will be. It is his destiny to go to Cabul, and that which Allah has foreordained must come to pass." From the banks of the Indus to Peshawur the country was wild and gloomy in the extreme, the road lying for a great part through narrow and rugged passes, one of the worst being named the Geedur Gully, which means the Jackal's Lane, a most appropriate title. But within sight of the city the scenery changed as if by magic. We did not lose sight of the towering moun- tains which still surrounded us on all sides ; but at their base lay a fair, smiling plain, dotted with tiny villages and orchards and charming mulberry groves. The city itself was walled and strongly fortified, as in- deed it had need to be from its proximity to the wild Khyberees, with whom for many years the Sikhs had been at deadly enmity. At the principal gate we were stopped by an officer, who, upon hearing my father's name, volunteered to escort us to the palace of the governor. The change from the comparative solitude of the last 36 A TOUGH FIGHT. few days was startling. Everywhere the place teemed with human life and energy. Men of various nations, dressed in every variety of costume, crowded the narrow, dirty streets. Hindu and Moslem, trader and fighting-man, priest and fanatic, jostled each other as they hurried along. Conversation was being carried on in a score of different languages. Here I heard the soft, melodious Persian tongue, and there the harsh, unmusical Pushtani. Hindu- stani mingled with Sindhi and Punjabi, and many a dialect with which I was totally unacquainted. Lending an added interest to the scene, and raising the general clamour, were mild-eyed and pensive but obstinate bullocks ; small, sure-footed Afghan camels ; shaggy, rough-coated ponies ; and a vicious mule or two, screaming, plunging, and clearing a respectable circle by the irregular extensions of their hind legs. It must be confessed that as we made our way through the motley throng I felt grateful for the escort of the Sikh officer, and kept as closely as possible to my father's side. The inhabitants regarded us with scowling faces. Some of them even gave vent to muttered threats, and their eyes were directed to our outfit with longing gaze. Had we chanced to meet these gentlemen alone in the dusk of evening, I have but little doubt that our stay at Peshawur would have been prolonged indefinitely. From a remark uttered by my father it was clear he shared my opinion. " You have a charming population," he said, with a smile; " life must go smoothly and pleasantly at Peshawur." A TOUGH FIGHT. 37 The Sikh showed his teeth in a broad grin. " They are quiet now, sahib,"' he returned ; " General Avitabili has partly cowed them. But they are a desperate set. I would scarcely advise you to promenade the town at night if you value your life. The rascals have strong arms and sharp swords. See, our gibbets bear goodly fruit," and he waved his hand carelessly in the direction of a large open space. I followed his movement with my eyes, and regretted it instantly. At each corner was erected a huge gibbet, literally groaning beneath the weight of over a dozen half- naked corpses, stark and stiff. " It is not a pretty spectacle," our guide admitted, apolo- getically, " but in self-defence the general was compelled to resort to strong measures ; the villains were becoming too impudent. Matters had reached such a pass that one could not safely walk the streets even in the daytime." We picked our way gingerly through the muddy lanes, past mean, one-storied, dingy-looking houses, until we arrived in the quarter of the bazaars, which exhibited evidences of a brisk trade. The shops were numerous and overflowing with mer- chandise, collected at a vast expense of toil and labour from the adjacent states. Here and there I caught a glimpse of splendidly-built mosques ; but they bore traces of decay, and appeared as if gradually falling into ruin. Leaving the narrow alleys, we debouched into the main thoroughfare, a broad street opening out into a wide 38 A TOUGH FIGHT. circular space, and shortly afterwards our guide stopped before the palace of the governor. General Avitabili had, I believe, been an officer in the Italian army. He was a slight, spare man, but his firm chin and dark flashing eyes showed a strength of character which was absolutely necessary for a man in his position. In private life he seemed amiable and anxious to please, and received us with quite a genuine cordiality. Of business matters he would not hear a word until the next day. " You have had a rough journey, and must be fatigued," he said. " To-day you shall rest ; the morning will be soon enough to talk about your mission." To this delay my father offered a strenuous opposition ; but the general only smiled good-humouredly. " You protest in vain," he declared. " I do not mean you to depart until you have partaken of my hospitality. By the way, does your baggage follow you ? " My father smiled in his turn. " No," he responded ; " we have been levying con- tributions en route, and you also must suffer from our depredations. I fear that, so far as dress is concerned, we have come to the end of our resources." The general surveyed our travel-stained garments with a critical air. " Do not worry," he remarked kindly ; " I can relieve your necessities without difficulty." Hitherto my father had adhered strictly to civilian attire ; but the general's supplies being incapable of furnish- A TOUGH FIGHT. 39 ing anything beyond military apparel, we were compelled to clothe ourselves in the Sikh uniform, which, I may mention in passing, was closely modelled upon that of the British troops. I felt exceedingly vain of my new uniform, and snatched furtive glances at my military appearance, as reflected by the numerous and costly mirrors which lined the walls of the luxurious room where the general had caused the dinner to be served. The table was laden with delicacies ; and, much to my satisfaction. General Avitabili informed us that we were to be his sole guests. " My chief officers have been invited to meet you later," he said, " but I thought you would like to enjoy an hour in private first." Coming after the rough fare we had lived upon since quit- ting the large towns of the Punjab, these savoury viands proved doubly welcome, and I fell to with a keen appetite. After dinner the servants brought in cups of fragrant coffee, and the general and my father sat and smoked. Without alluding to the reason for our presence in Peshawur, they talked of the recent events in Afghanistan, and discussed the probable chances of success or defeat which awaited the British forces. I was struck with the similarity of the general's views to those expressed by the Sikh commander at the Indus. " Depend upon it. Shah Soojah is going to his death," he affirmed, without the least hesitation. " When the last British soldier has marched out of Cabul, he will cease to 40 A TOUGH FIGHT. exist. What do your countrymen expect to gain by bolster- ing up this puppet-king ? " " It is doubtless intended as a check to Russia. Dost Mohammed is suspected of friendly leanings toward that country, and England cannot afford to stand still while the Russians worm their way into Afghanistan." Our host gave vent to a short, dry laugh. " They do not know our Pathan friends as well as I do," he said. " Russian or Englishman, Persian or Sikh, the Afghan hates all alike. In defence of his country's free- dom he is cruelty itself. Even you English do not value your independence as much as the Afghan." After a while the conversation turned upon the state of Runjit Singh's health, of which my father did not give a very good account, and upon the events which would most likely happen at his death. " One thing is certain," our host remarked with decision, — " the Sikh kingdom will go to pieces. As far as I can gather, the soldiers are wild to embark in a crusade against the English, and that can end in only one way. Our men can fight bravely enough, but they lack discipline, and that is a fatal bar to any chance of success. But come," he continued, noticing the look of gravity which overspread my father's features, " it is time to adjourn ; we must give our young friend a chance to show off his new uniform." At this remark I blushed furiously, the speaker had so accurately divined my secret thoughts ; but recovering from my confusion, I followed our host into the adjoining room. A TOUGH FIGHT. 41 This was a noble and spacious apartment, sumptuously furnished in the Oriental style. Costly carpets, bordered by richly-flowered mats of silk and cloth of gold, covered the floor; and at one end was erected a broad dais, on which a number of officers and leading merchants were collected in little groups. The announcement of my father's name created a visible commotion. But whether it excited feelings of friendliness or displeasure I could not determine, so quickly did the features of the assembled guests regain that air of impas- sive calm so strikingly characteristic of the Oriental. Presently the door again opened, to admit the nautch girls, without whose presence no Indian reception is ever accounted complete. The majority of those who now came in were extremely pretty, and magnificently dressed in soft, clinging muslin and gorgeously-coloured satins. Clasped round their arms and ankles were glittering bangles and small golden bells, while their apparel was thick with golden braid. They were attended by the musicians, one of whom beat the tom-tom, while another performed on an instrument like a fiddle. As soon as they had taken their places in line facing the dais, the music struck up, and the girls to its accom- paniment gracefully advanced and retired, keeping time with a rhythmical movement, and manipulating their flow- ing veils with the ease and dexterity acquired by long practice. All this was of course quite familiar to me ; I had wit- 42 A TOUGH FIGHT. nessed many such entertainments, and took little interest in the present one, so that I was honestly glad when, at the end of the second hour, the general gave the signal and brought the performance to an end. It was with a feeling of relief I closed my eyes that night, knowing that for at least another day we should remain in our present comfortable quarters. On the dangers which confronted us I did not permit my mind to dwell over long. To the fact that they were many and serious I could not well be blind; yet my heart was comforted by one reflection. Whatever perils were in store for us, my father and I would be together, and I should escape the anxieties and suspense which must of necessity have been my portion had I stayed at Lahore. This thought in itself was a consolation, and made me almost easy in my mind. Another matter which buoyed me up was the general's light-hearted references to our journey. Had the case been so exceedingly desperate, I argued, his behaviour would have betrayed more seriousness ; and with this pleasing but erroneous fancy in my mind I fell asleep. CHAPTER III. INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. AFTER breakfast on the following morning, our host conducted us to a small, octagonal-shaped room, and having drawn the heavy curtains across the portal, exclaimed, " Now we can discuss this business at our ease." Thinking my presence might prove an obstacle to their freedom of speech, I was withdrawing to the farther end of the apartment, when my father motioned me to remain. " There is nothing to be concealed, Paul," he observed kindly. " You are already aware of as much of my mission as need be mentioned. My object is to reach Cabul at the earliest opportunity, and the general will give us the benefit of his advice as to the best means of accomplishing it." I looked with eagerness at the officer's face, and was startled at the alteration in its expression. The careless- ness and jollity and mirth had vanished, to be succeeded by a look of intense gravity. " The question is most difficult to answer," he said, speaking with great deliberation, " and I scarcely like to advise you. By the maharajah's orders I am to place my 44 INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. troops at your disposal, and that command shall be most willingly obeyed. At the same time, it is only fair to add that without considerable reinforcements you could never force your way even through the Khyber. Stern experience has taught me that it is a death-trap." My father hastened to assent. " Force is out of the question," he said. " I should re- quire the Sikh army at my back. Moreover, one condi- tion essential to the success of my errand is secrecy." Our host breathed more freely. " In that case," he remarked, " recourse must be had to stratagem. Have you yourself not considered any plan ? " " I know not if there be any practical value in the idea," my father replied, " but it occurred to me that we might pass through the country in the character of mer- chants. As you are aware, I am a fair linguist." The general shook his head. " It is too risky ; long before reaching Cabul you would be murdered for the sake of your goods. The temptation would be far too strong for our Afghan friends, especially now that the country is in such an unsettled state." My father smiled faintly. " Then we will hear your suggestion for overcoming the impossible," he said. To my surpiise the general exhibited unequivocal signs of emotion. " In my case," he responded, " I should conquer the impossible by running away from it. My friend, listen to me and take my advice. This enterpiise upon which you INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. 45 are bound is not merely a rash one ; it is fatal. Believe me, there does not exist the remotest chance that you will come safely through it. If you value your own life and that of your son, return to the maharajah. Tell him frankly the scheme is not feasible. To proceed is simply making a present of your body to the birds of prey." At the allusion to myself my father winced, but swiftly recovering his composure, answered, — " General, let us suppose you had made your plans for a great battle, and that victory depended upon a certain movement, which must of necessity sacrifice the lives of the soldiers making it. What would you say if the ofiicer in command refused to advance, unwilling to face certain death ? I am in the position of that officer. My orders are to proceed to Cabul. How can I in honour draw back ? " Our host was evidently vexed at this display of obsti- nacy, and for a time no word was uttered. Then he said solemnly, — " If you are bent upon destruction, I cannot help it ; only remember I have given you warning." My father grasped the speaker's hand warmly. *' I thank you," he said ; " but at the same time I must do my duty. Now let us treat that matter as settled, and try to devise some plan of action which may at least afford a glimmer of hope." Again there was silence, broken by the general ask- ing, — " Can you converse in Pushtoo ? " 46 INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. " Yes ; we are familiar with most of the native dialects." Our host paced the room with contracted brows, liis footsteps making no sound on the thick, soft carpets. " It is a wild scheme," he muttered, " full of danger, but I see no other way," Then halting abruptly he said aloud, — " The idea is worse than the proverbial straw at which the drowning man catches, but you shall hear. The Khyberees are all in favour of Dost Mohammed ; they detest Shah Soojah, and I doubt if they will ever acknow- ledge his right to rule over them. Now if you could pass yourselves off as emissaries of the Dost returning from a secret embassy, it is just within the bounds of possibility that you might get through under their protection. I can provide the requisite dress, and supply you with some useful information." It was, as my father admitted, a desperate undertaking ; yet there truly appeared no other way, and in the end he determined to follow the general's advice. The remainder of the day was passed quietly in the palace of our host, who counselled our keeping as retired as possible, and the night was still young when we sought our cots. " Sleep well, Paul," my father said ; " it may be long before you get another opportunity so favourable." A prophecy only too faithfully fulfilled. The morning found us early astir, and I proceeded to don with great glee the Afghan dress which the general had provided. INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. 47 In the folds of the tunic, and so placed as to be ready to my hand, I hid two pistols which I had brought with me from Lahore, while from the crimson sash surrounding my waist hung a broad tulwar, a kind of curved sword, extremely dangerous and effective in the hands of the Afghans. The general had also placed for our selection several jezails — long Afghan rifles capable of throwing a bullet a tremendous distance and with great precision ; but being unaccustomed to their use, we preferred an ordinary rifle, with the manipulation of which we were familiar. My father secreted about his person a bag of rupees, and he had just finished putting the concluding touches to his appearance when our host entered. " Allow me to congratulate you," he exclaimed ; " the transformation is marvellous. And now if you are ready we will go to breakfast." Thus far matters were settled, but there yet remained a point of some difficulty to be decided, and this occupied our attention during the meal. The important question staring us in the face now was how to acquire provisions for our subsistence during the journey. This in itself presented an almost insuperable obstacle, and for my part I altogether failed to perceive in what way it could be surmounted. General Avitabili readily undertook to supply camels and native servants, but to this course there were obvious objections, one of which alone proved fatal to its adoption. This was the absolute certainty that our attendants would 48 INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. desert at the end of the first day's march ; for our host liimself admitted that nothing would induce them to set foot inside the dreaded Khyber Pass. No difficulty, however, could daunt my father's iron determination. The more hopeless the prospect, the stronger became his will, and I verily believe that, rather than turn back, he would have started alone and on foot. Indeed had trustworthy servants been forthcoming he would not have made use of their services. He reasoned in this manner : — " We are all agreed," he said, " that our success depends upon the good-will of the Khyberees." The general smiled. " That," he observed, " is about on a par with trusting yourselves to the tender offices of an infuriated tigress." " It is not pleasant, truly ; nevertheless it is unavoidable, and we must perforce make the best of it. Now as the nettle must be grasped, it is my intention to seize it at once and boldly. You tell me Saled Khan is a man of note amongst the Khyberees, that he is possessed of great influence, and that the tribes are in favour of Dost Mohammed. Now cannot you recognize my design ? " General Avitabili shook his head. " No," he replied ; " at present I can perceive nothing." " Yet you yourself gave birth to the idea. This is what I propose. We will draw upon your supplies for a couple ^l stout ponies, and as much food as they can comfortably carry. Thus equipped we shall make our way through the Khyber until we meet with a party of the natives, INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. 49 whom I shall request to conduct us into the presence of Salcd Khan. Once with him all danger will be at an end, should your information as to his sympathies with the Dost prove correct." " Of that," the general responded, " I am assured ; but you are over sanguine. In the first place, the rascals will almost certainly shoot you at sight. Still, assuming the possibility of a miracle being worked in your favour, how much better off will you be should the khan hand you over to Dost Mohammed ? " " That," said my father, with a peculiar smile, " must for the present remain a secret, but rest assured I shall have little to fear from Mohammed." Perceiving that he was not to be turned from his purpose, the general now directed his attention to myself, offering to keep me at Peshawur until such time as my father should return. Against this arrangement I stubbornly protested. In vain he urged the perils which menaced us ; each fresh argument served only to strengthen my purpose. Hitherto I had not clearly recognized the dreadful nature of my father's errand, but with this fresh knowledge I became more than ever resolved not to quit his side. Thanks to his careful training, I was strong, hardy, and inured to fatigue. In physical endurance I was almost his equal, and without undue boasting, I possessed no mean skill i:.i the use of both rifle and pistol. " For the future," exclaimed the general laughingly, " I shall hold the obstinacy of the mule in light esteem. (679) 4 so INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. However, I have done my best, and nothing remains now, save, as the ancient poet hath it, to ' speed the parting guest ! ' I Avill send an escort with you as far as Jumrood, beyond which my authority does not extend." In a short time everything was in readiness, and we bade our kind-hearted host farewell. " Good-bye," he said, with a certain gravity. " I heartily wish you success, and shall count the hours until your return." Ah me ! how strange that a few words, perhaps idly spoken, should linger so long in one's memory ! Even after this lapse of time, the sweet, musical accents ring in my ears, " until your return." I look back across the waste of years to that early morning when in the midst of a little troop of Sikh cavalry we rode out from Peshawur. For the moment all my fears were forgotten. The city was still buried in sleep, and scarcely a sound save the hoof-beats of our animals disturbed the silence. As we wended our way along the road, bordered on each side by fruitful planta- tions, I drank in the keen air with a sense of delight. Presently, too, the breaking glory of the morning sun lit up the smiling land around us, and tinged the mighty hills with a purple glow. The beauty and the freshness of the scenery enchanted me, and I turned to my father with an exclamation of pleasure. The officer who rode with us — he was the same whom we had encountered at the Peshawur gate — smiled at my eager demonstration. INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. 51 " Make the most of it, sahib," he said ; " unfortunately it will soon come to an end." "You are thinking of the terrible pass," I exclaimed inquiringly ; " is it really such a wild place ? " The light faded from his eyes. " Three brothers have I lost within its cursed jaws, sahib," he answered mournfully. " It is the abode of desolation. But you will get a foretaste of its horrors before reaching it." " At Jumrood ? " inquired my father. " That is at its entrance, is it not ? " " Not quite so near," responded the young Sikh ; " the pass lies a mile beyond our fort — for your sakes I would it were a thousand." " Had you your wish our journey would be prolonged so much the farther. I think it well that we should face our greatest danger first." The young officer looked toward me with a pitying expression ; he manifestly placed little faith in our success, and more than once on the way I caught him furtively regarding me with a compassionate glance. But the morning was so fresh, the plain so pleasant, that neither his melancholy looks nor his horrible stories of the Afghans' ferocity affected me, and I be- strode my sturdy pony with a feeling of light-hearted confidence. My father, too, appeared less grave than had been the case since our entry into Peshawur, and he listened to the Sikh's tales with great interest, questioning him closely 52 INTO THE KHYBER'S MOUTH. upon